Question about switching from a straight razor to a safety razor for shop shaves

I had to make a call about six months ago on whether to keep using my old straight razor for the hot towel shaves or switch to a safety razor. The straight razor was a classic, a Dovo I got from my mentor back in 2010, and it felt like real barbering. But I was starting to see more guys with sensitive skin or just wanting a quick cleanup, and the time and upkeep on the straight razor was getting to be a lot. I switched to a safety razor, a basic Merkur model. It felt like a bit of a sellout at first, honestly. But it's been smoother for everyone. I can do a great shave in half the time, and I haven't had a single nick since the switch. The clients who want the full experience still get the hot towel and the works, they just don't notice the tool change. Has anyone else made this switch and found a way to keep that old-school feel with the new tool?

3 comments

3 Comments

olivert7812d ago

Yeah, I kept my old strop on the counter for show. Most guys just care about the hot towel and a smooth finish.

richarddixon11d ago

That old strop, was it just for looks or did you ever actually use it? @the_sean is right about the theater, but I wonder if the tools ever mattered.

the_sean11d ago

The hot towel thing is a classic bit of theater.